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Families and Minuteman Arc outline need for cluster homes for adults with developmental disabilities
Summary
Minute Man Arc representatives and local parents told the trust that existing group‑home placements are prioritized for highest‑need cases and that many adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities need intermediate housing options that allow more independence while keeping them in the community.
Representatives from Minute Man Arc and several Concord parents briefed the Trust on March 18 about local demand for housing tailored to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Andy Richert, housing development manager for Minute Man Arc, said many individuals who need housing are not prioritized for the limited state‑funded group‑home slots because those resources are targeted to people with the most immediate safety or caregiver‑failure needs. Richert said families are seeking a financially sustainable model that provides a path from parental households to independent apartments while preserving proximity to local services and jobs.
A parent who spoke (identified in the meeting as Michi) described a desire for her daughter to remain in Concord where she works and has social connections, and urged the trust to consider options that keep people in town. Richert said Minute Man Arc is developing a model of clustered independent units with supports and “guardrails” that could provide an intermediate level of independence for adults who do not require 24‑hour group‑home staffing.
Trust members and town staff noted potential local opportunities, including a parcel flagged by a town task force near Minute Man Arc that could be appropriate for a group‑home or clustered housing. The presenters asked for the trust’s ongoing awareness and assistance as they refine a model and seek partners; the trust said staff would help connect the group to other housing stakeholders in Concord.
Ending: The trust did not take formal action but asked staff to maintain contact. Presenters were invited to return with more detailed proposals.
